THE Kangaroos couldn't broker a trade deal for former Port Adelaide draftee Ben Jacobs, eventually picking him up in the draft with their second pick. It took only 12 minutes of the game against Melbourne to make clear the reason for their enthusiasm. The left-footer wheeled on to his left from well inside the centre square, and casually dobbed a booming drop punt well over the goal line.

MAGIC MAJAK

Plenty of eyes will be on the strapping Roo big man this year after three years as the AFL's most publicised but still gameless rookie. Finally, promotion to the senior list has come, and Majak Daw showed a bit more than just hype in his stints on the ground, winning some decent taps against the far more experienced Mark Jamar. The highlight, however, was one of the gutsiest marks of the evening, when Daw, floating across half-back, backed courageously into an oncoming pack in the defensive 50, suitably crunched but still emerging clasping the ball.

HUNGRY HARVEY

The ageless Kangaroos veteran, now 34, has little business busting a gut in the pre-season competition, with far bigger fish to fry in the regular season. But while he spent a bit of time on the bench early, Brent Harvey didn't lack impact when he came on. ''Boomer'' was straight into the fray, and launched an impressive chase-down of Melbourne recruit Shannon Byrnes, hardly short of toe himself, winning the free for holding the ball, and serving notice there's still plenty of life left in the little man.

Rohan Connolly

Hogan gives a glimpse of class

THE special dispensation for Jesse Hogan to play a year early in the NAB Cup was designed to give the 18-year-old a taste of senior footy, but it also served to give fans a tantalising taste of things to come.

He has presence, strength and poise beyond his years.

It was only a glimpse, but there is a lot to like from what we've seen. He marked strongly in the pocket, ran around and curled in a goal.

Hogan's game will whet the appetite for the key-position prospect. Secured through the mini-draft, he is already AFL-ready size.

Frustratingly, he will now spend the year at Casey.

NEW BOYS

Melbourne wasted little time showcasing many of its plethora of new boys and retreads.

Chris Dawes was robust in presenting and opening up space for Jeremy Howe and Hogan behind him.

Shannon Byrnes was the brightest figure, running hard through the middle; David Rodan was busy but his disposal a little loose; and Tom Gillies was solid across half-back.

DEMON SON

Like Hogan, Jack Viney has been coming for a while for the Demons.

It was his first game and he started in the middle.

He has the body that is ready to play; he moved to mainly correct positions, and he looked to be understanding the game's pace and rhythm.

But Nathan Jones has continued in such outstanding form that it makes it hard to get a look at the ball in the middle.

Michael Gleeson

DAW SETS UP SUPER GOAL

Jack Watts played across defence but kicked the first of the night after marking a centred ball. Lindsay Thomas, always a nervous set shot, converted calmly with his first chance. The only super goal came from Ben Jacobs after the ball had originated with a nice, high, leaping ruck tap from Majak Daw. Lachie Hansen found space to mark and goal. Dean Kent kicked a goal after the siren but needed to have kicked in super-goal territory. - MICHAEL GLEESON